A helicopter carrying tourists has crashed in Kirish, near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, the Kenya Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19 ,KCAA said the aircraft, registration 5Y-GYM, was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred.
The crash happened at approximately 9:13 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirms that an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, has occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, 19 August 2026,” KCAA said.
“The aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 0913 hrs local time.”
All 7 occupants, named Josh Outran, the pilot, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez ( female) died.
KCAA Confirms Helicopter Crash in Samburu
KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders following the accident.
The Air Accident Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
KCAA also extended its condolences to the families of the victims following the incident.
According to a preliminary report from the police, seven tourists were on board the chopper before it went down.
“Their nationality is yet to be known,” police said.
Witness Recounts Crash Near Mt Ololokwe
Videos seen by The Kenya Times show a witness saying the aircraft had crashed in a deep and difficult-to-access section of the mountain.
In one of the videos, a witness could be heard calling for urgent assistance, saying the location was difficult to reach.
“Right there, there is a helicopter that has fallen. It is quite deep and far, but do send urgent help so that people can be rescued,” the witness said.
According to multiple local reports, the aircraft was based at Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan. The clients are said to have been booked through End Beyond Safaris.
Smoke and fire have been reported at the scene, with locals and rescue teams, including reports of Nkurei warriors and other responders, moving towards the site.
Also Read: Six People Killed as Chopper Crashes in Mosop
A second helicopter, reportedly operated by Tropic Air, has also been reported at the scene as rescue efforts continue.
The identities and condition of those who were on board the helicopter were not immediately known.
Authorities were expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and assess whether there were casualties or survivors.
Also Read: Multi-Vehicle Crash Reported Along Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, Casualties Feared
Loisaba and the broader Laikipia–Samburu conservancy circuit host frequent safari and charter helicopter operations.
Mt. Ololokwe is a prominent landmark in the region. Helicopter incidents in remote northern Kenya often face challenges related to terrain, weather, and access for rapid rescue.
Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabachi, rises above the dry landscape of Samburu County, its distinctive rock formation standing out against the surrounding plains.
The mountain holds deep cultural significance for the Samburu community, which has relied on its natural resources for generations. Its water, vegetation and wildlife have supported both the community and their livestock in the otherwise arid region.
Ololokwe is also associated with elephants and holds a special place in Samburu traditions. The mountain is regarded as a sacred site, with local beliefs linking it to the presence of God.
Visitors to the mountain are encouraged to respect its cultural importance. At the summit, travellers have traditionally been asked to place a rock and give thanks at a water source, a practice that reflects the mountain’s spiritual significance to the community.
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